拍品專文
This tour de force of orientalist design reflects the burgeoning interest in exoticism during the 1840s and 1850s that was adopted by the most accomplished French silversmiths, such as Morel, his former business partner, Duponchel, Christofle and Boucheron (see lot 77 for a ewer of orientalist design). This tray was probably made before 1848, as it employs a mark used prior to Morel's departure to London (marked with M over V, compass between). Due to litigation, Morel was not permitted to register a mark, or trade in Paris after 1848 and this would explain the defaced mark. When Morel returned to France and settled in Sèvres in 1852, he employed another mark (V over M, sword between).